Do you realize that you are right where you need to be to take the next step? There’s absolutely nothing about your present circumstances that prevents you from making progress. All you have to decide is what to do next (just the next itty bitty step). It really is that simple. You don’t have to have it all figured out to take that next step and move forward. Just do the best you can until you know better. Once you know better, do better.
Remember: Never make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions. Many people make choices and plans when things aren’t going so well. They look for relief in the despair of the valley; instead of waiting for the clarity that comes from being on the mountaintop. . . The best time to make decisions is when you’re succeeding — or calm! If you fight your way through the valley, you’ll make better decisions at the summit.
I am pretty sure nobody is going to stand up at your funeral and state that you had an amazing couch and fabulous shoes. Life is not about things, stuff and junk. It’s about memories, experiences and feeling alive. It’s about impacting other people, in a positive way. So what is the next itty bitty thing that you need to do in order to move forward? If you don’t know the answer to that question, take a deep breath ~ and figure it out. Go get yourself that very next AHA moment !
As always, make champion choices, The Healthy Habit Lady
2021… I honestly don’t know if I have anything worthy to add to the chit chat about how difficult 2021 was for so many I love. The tragic and unexpected death of my daughter aside, it was challenging and soul crushing for me on oh so many levels. So, let’s just let me leave that acknowledgment as it is, shall we?
What about 2020? Well, I survived a pandemic amidst my middle son’s two surgeries compounded by many other challenges. I even tried to ‘retire’ #TheHealthyHabitLady blog and social media. Yeah well … that didn’t work out … folks wanted their cheerleader back; and I needed to be back. But there is nothing wrong with breaks, nothing at all.
Anyone remember 2019? That was the year I survived a devastating divorce and dissolved a 26 year marriage, lost my home, was financially obliterated and started all over, with my children, in a small town here in Northeast Texas. I traded in suburbia and city life for 13 acres on a lake. Zero regrets. Then menopause hit me. Oh Joy.
Guess what? I’m still here, I have survived, my heart is still beating and my blessings they do abound. Now I think I’d like a year to THRIVE … and not just survive. Anyone else?
Regardless of tragedies and sucker punches, I have had a few wins! Truly, I have… and I intentionally wrote them down in a journal by Mel Robbins … in my very own messy handwriting … to reflect and remind myself that YES, I AM STILL HERE. I’m still breathing and I do actually still have something to offer to those around me. I still have a voice. I still have something to say. I still have children to raise. I am 52 years young. I am far from done.
It is so important to celebrate your wins, and I hope you take a moment to honor anything that you accomplished in 2021, or even in the last few years. No matter how small .. it does matter. Write out your top 5, maybe it’s just barely a top 3 …. but I double dog dare you to do a little dance! Articulate your gifts and greatness into any flimsy words you can manage to string together. Building on that sense of accomplishment helps you with this next step … which is to plan your 2022! Be present in 2022! Engage in 2022!
Now I will whisper in your ear … drown out the distracting noises. If only for a moment, ignore the dog barkin’ and listen with intent. Here’s the question: Have you set any goals for this year? Not resolutions. GOALS?! Do you use a journal or a planner? I’d love to hear about your tools.
Now comes the most important question: Have you mapped out any strategies and action steps needed to accomplish desired goals? My brutal truth is this: YES, I have started ~~but I haven’t finished. My brain is still churning, my gears are still turning. Yes, Ms. Deb is still crafting and prioritizing, but I’m doing it ~ nonetheless.
My emotional bandwidth and mental energy are growing stronger, so let me hear from ya! How can we be here for each other throughout this year? Who can YOU reach out to this week; whether to ask for help or offer encouragement? Who can you check on and remind them that – yes – they matter? Who can you impress, even if it is just yourself? Who can you shock the hell out of this month? Now go on, get busy.
As for me and my mirror, we are good pals. Come tomorrow morning, when I see the rising woman whom I will greet with a ‘good morning‘ … when I see her in that gloriously flawed yet marvelous reflection … that woman will get a High 5! She deserves it, and so do you, my friend, so do you.
As always, make champion choices, The Healthy Habit Lady
Buying a journal is one thing … and yet OPENING it is quite another 🙂
My Amazon Associate link if you would like to purchase this journal by Mel Robbins: https://amzn.to/3qRTXQD
My Amazon Associate link if you would like to purchase the High 5 Audiobook, which I have done, and am presently listening to in my car, on my way to and from work: https://amzn.to/31ry6H5
The first book I ever read by Mel Robbins was The 5 Second Rule, and I read it on my Kindle, but it is available in other formats. Still a fabulous read or listen, and here is my Amazon Associate link if you’re interested: https://amzn.to/31pD6vG
Can I just say that the invention of the Air Fryer has changed my life. The possibilities are endless with this thing; and I dare say we use it daily. We actually have two. One with trays and one is a basket. I had a third but I gave it away. We have made wings, hamburgers, salmon, filet mignon, fish sticks, chicken nuggets, hash browns, etc. We have even reheated restaurant leftovers (and they taste the same as they did in the restaurant).
There are many groups on Facebooks, boards on Pinterest, etc. to find lots of information. Many options and many come with payment plans. I can hands down say I am a huge fan of this contraption. My teenagers even use it, all of the time.
Tonight’s Air Fryer blessing was salmon. One of my favorites. Now some people can season it (like my son makes his salmon with lemon pepper) … but as for me and my SED, I eat it plain, and just a wee bit of butter.
I highly suggest spraying the basket or trays with cooking spray before using. ALSO – if you buy salmon for the air fryer, buy it fresh and NOT skinless. The salmon with skin seems to do better. I typically do it at 360 for 12 minutes; but if it is a super thick piece, it may need to go longer.
Here are a few of my affiliate links if you’re interested in purchasing. Shopping through my affiliate links helps support me and my ministry / small business efforts. However; I never recommend anything I do not have personal knowledge about and/or use in my home.
Here are a few pics from tonight’s Air Fryer adventure…
Meanwhile in other news; I am beyond excited because I was accepted into the Amazon Influencer program. I thought you might be interested in my storefront page.
This is my personalized Amazon storefront where I share product recommendations of things I use, know about and love. Feel free to take a peek and offer feedback. I’m just now getting started with it all.
Also as mentioned above; I have an Amazon affiliate link, whereas if you are going to do any shopping on Amazon anyway, if you click my affiliate link and then shop; it helps me so much.
As someone who struggles with SED (Selective Eating Disorder) and getting the ‘good stuff’ into my body; Smoothies are my salvation. The possibilities are endless. Here are some thoughts on getting into the Smoothie / Protein Shake habit.
A few things to consider…
Have your fridge and freezer ready to make your perfect smoothie. When you can buy fresh ripe produce in season…take advantage and prep it in portions for your smoothie.
I have often bought bananas and let them ripen, peel them, and cut into 4ths and freeze in bags. Bananas add creaminess to smoothies and provide some suspension for the other ingredients. Bananas are also great as the base for frozen desserts like nice cream. Avocados work well in this aspect too.
Apples, oranges, and pineapple can also be prepped for the freezer. Those are great to throw in a smoothie. Be sure to peel and remove as much pith from any citrus. It is a good idea to section apples and oranges into smaller pieces and pineapple into manageable chunks.
Strawberries and raspberries are good to pick up when you can get good deals. Do a quick soak in water and white vinegar and then another rinse. Let them dry some on paper towels and then pat dry and freeze. Some folks like to remove the hulls and tops from the strawberries…some people do not.
Now let’s talk Greens…I personally only use baby spinach. Some folks like to rotate their greens but I do not as I don’t seem to do well with other greens. Now put that spinach in a colander and rinse it well ~ then divide it into sandwich bags with about 2 1/2 cups per bag which equals 1 serving. Then put those smaller bags into a larger gallon freezer bag. Be sure to squish down the smaller bags to remove extra air and they store flatter.
Ginger and turmeric root can be prepped for the freezer to extend its life. Make sure to scrub it well and either peel or not peel ~ that part is up to you. Then slice it and put it into freezer bags. Just take out a few slices to toss into a smoothie or other shake creation.
I will also grab prepackaged fruits at the store when I can get a deal. I am open to many ways of getting ingredients for my smoothies.
Supplements are not always necessary if you make a rounded smoothie with a variety of ingredients. However; for me I use my smoothie as a building block that allows me to add extras that provide more anti-oxidants, omegas, fiber, and other heart healthy ingredients. Play around with Chia, hemp, and flax seed, probiotics whether from a yogurt or a powder, protein from nut butters or PB2…and protein powders. The choice is yours. If you need suggestions, let me know, I have an arsenal at my disposal.
The bottom line is this: Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you need recipe ideas, let me know that too.
As always, make champion choices, The Healthy Habit Lady
I believe in simplicity. Truly. No point in making things complicated ~ when there is no need to complicate them. So in case you were ever wondering; here are my simplified rules for eating. I’m not a big fan of telling people WHAT to eat; I’m not a registered dietician and everyone is so different. However; there are some basics I try to follow, teach my kids, and share with those interested.
If it comes out of the ground or from a tree/vine/plant ~ and doesn’t kill you, you can eat it.
If you cannot pronounce something on a label, try avoid it.
Eat natural fats.
Eat lean protein.
Drink pure water.
Eat when you are hungry….just start with natural fiber. Raw veggies are the best. A good trick is to eat an apple, or celery or a carrot about 10 minutes before you eat your meal. Drinking water before a meal is genius as well.
Choose complex carbs over simple carbs.
When choosing a snack/meal – aim for the perfect trifecta – a combo of good fat/protein/carbs. Carbs are not evil -they just need to be balanced with healthy fats and protein.
Limit sugar … but if you’re going to have it – have the real stuff, not fake stuff.
Eat slowly. Enjoy your food. Allow your brain time to catch up with your digestion.
Well, there ya have it. My simplified take on nutrition. We can call it Deb’s Diet Plan if we want. Or we can call it common sense.
Oh ~ and for the record ~ it’s perfectly fine to eat cake on your birthday! At least I think so, anyway.
As always, make champion choices, The Healthy Habit Lady
The Healthy Habit Lady 